Gloucestershire Sport

Bristol City fans' panel: Second best in FA Cup defeat at Watford

CITY’S hopes of a trip to Manchester City in the FA Cup fourth round were ended on Tuesday night with a 2-0 defeat in the third round replay with Watford at Vicarage Road.

After a promising first 20 minutes City struggled to match their Championship counterparts both physically and in terms of ability.

Steve Cotterill was forced to make changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Bradford City on Saturday with key players such as Williams, Cunningham and Wagstaff missing out. Gillett and new signing Barnett were also unavailable as they were cup tied.

City had a great chance early on at Watford when Baldock went through on goal, however unfortunately the former West Ham striker is not proficient when one-on-one with the ‘keeper and his disappointing effort was saved comfortably.

The home side took the lead when Faraoni scrambled in from a corner after 29 minutes.

Watford came out in the second half all guns blazing and dominated the game for large spells.

They eventually got their second when McGugan drilled home and City’s cup hopes were over for another season.

This Saturday City return to league action, which in fairness is much more of a pressing concern right now.

Milton Keynes Dons are the visitors to Ashton Gate and they were also involved in FA Cup action on Tuesday with their game against Championship side and FA Cup holders Wigan Athletic going to extra time. Wigan eventually ran out 3-1 winners and hopefully the MK Dons team will be a little tired from the extra 30 minutes play, although that’s probably wishful thinking.

The Dons lie 10th in League One and have been having a decent season to date. We drew 2-2 at their place earlier in the season in an entertaining game and I suspect Saturday’s game will also produce some goals.

Their away form isn’t the best and if we start positively and take our chances then I feel we can get a much needed win.